Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in collaboration with Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has organized a blood donation program on 18 June 2023 at BGMEA Complex. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has inaugurated this week-long program from 18th June to 24th June while a number of BGMEA officials have donated their blood voluntarily to serve humanity. Also Read: BGMEA President seeks government policy support to achieve RMG industry’s high growth vision Md. Shahidullah Azim, Vice President of BGMEA; Major General (Rtd.) ATM Abdul Wahab, Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society; Brigdier General (Dr.) S.M Humayun Kabir (Retd), Director of Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital and other Chairs from the different standing committees of BGMEA were also present during the inaugural ceremony. Blood donors are given Donor Cards by the Bangladesh Red Crescent during the program. The donors will get free blood from Red Crescent whenever needed by showing this card. Also Read: Bangladesh working to secure strong position as high-value garments sourcing hub: BGMEA chief BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said “With the aim of building a sustainable industry, the current board of BGMEA has taken the strategic Sustainability Vision 2030 where people have been given the highest priority. Our motto is to forever work for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and humankind at large, inside and outside the industry.” “There is a severe shortage of safe blood in our country. Currently, many thalassemia patients, dialysis patients, and chemotherapy patients are not getting blood as per demand. So our program is to encourage people to donate blood voluntarily” he said. "It is important to increase social awareness about blood donation," he said. He urged all member factories of BGMEA, and BKMEA as well as all commercial, government and private organizations to come forward and save the lives of people by promoting voluntary blood donation program. Also Read: BGMEA organizes free eye care program for its employees It’s important to mention that Bangladesh Red Crescent Society as a government-approved blood donation center has been carrying out blood collection and distribution activities through its various blood banks for a long time. BGMEA President expressed his sincere thanks to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society on behalf of the garment industry for doing such a great program across the country.    

Bangladesh and Australia have immense potential to enhance bilateral trade by further deepening collaboration and cooperation, said Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA. Trade between the two countries had grown considerably over the past years and more opportunities still lie ahead that could benefit both sides if reaped together, he said. He came up with the observations during a meeting with Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Australian government, in Dhaka on May 15. Brendan Hodgson, Director, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives Section at Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Megan Jones, Assistant Secretary, Indian Ocean and South Asia RegionalAustralian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; and Louisa Bochner, Adviser, office of the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs ; Jeremy Bruer, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh were also present at the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, State Minister for the ICT Division, Government of Bangladesh; Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, MP, Deputy Minister for Education, Government of Bangladesh; and Russell T. Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS). They had discussions about different issues, including potential areas of expanding trade and investment between Australia and Bangladesh. Issues relevant to Bangladesh’s RMG industry including its prospects and preparedness to continue the growth momentum were discussed during the meeting. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan briefed the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs about the huge progress made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry in terms of workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and workers' rights and welfare. He said Bangladesh was interested in importing more cotton and wool from Australia to meet the growing demand of the RMG and textile industry. The BGMEA President informed the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs about about the BGMEA’s initiative to organize the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Australia on 18th July 2023 and called on him to expend support in organizing the event. He also sought cooperation from Australia in developing knowledge and skills of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in textile, apparel, fashion, design and business through collaboration with leading Australian universities and fashion institutes. He expressed thanks to the Australian government for its decision to continue duty-free market access for Bangladesh. “It would support Bangladesh in maintaining the momentum of its economic growth after the LDC graduation,” Faruque Hassan added.  

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has said they need more support from the advanced economy in terms of product and fiber diversification, innovation, technological upgradation, reskilling and up skilling their people. "We need to put emphasize on building up a resilient and sustainable business model to overcome the future challenges," he said while speaking at the 4th edition of Sustainable Apparel Forum on Thursday. Faruque Hassan said they have established BGMEA Centre of innovation, efficiency and OSH. The centre will works as an exchange hub of industry wide best practices as it endeavors to disseminate knowledge to beneficiary groups continuously in the area of product development, efficiency, use of technologies, process upgradation, environmental sustainability and social innovation. "We need assistance from all of our esteemed stakeholder to make this center more vibrant and useful," said the BGMEA chief. "So please come forward, collaborate, and exchange knowledge and expertise to ensure more decent employments, and build a resilient and sustainable fashion industry," he said. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi spoke as the chief guest. The BGMEA chief said they have ensured 100% safety in terms of fire, structural and electrical remediation within the workplace which has restored global confidence in them. "We have taken a number of initiatives to ensure the better wellbeing of our workers," he said.

Innovation and technology hold immense potential for accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment, which is a prerequisite for sustainable development in Bangladesh, said Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA. “Digital technologies can offer solutions that can be used to meet women's needs and promote their empowerment. For example, digital literacy and skills help women move to superior and more complex positions in their workplaces,” he said. He also said digital transformation has paved the way for women to develop their skills. It’s encouraging to note that the participation of women at the management level in the RMG industry is increasing. He made the comments while speaking a dialogue on “innovation & technology for gender equality and minority rights” as a special guest. Gloria Jharna Sarker, MP, Shehela Pervin PPM, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police, Police Headquarters, Gordon Shannon, Head of Programme Development and Funding Global, Christian Aid in Bangladesh, and Sara Hossain, Honorary Executive Director, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) also spoke at the dialogue organized by Christian Aid and its partners in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on March 13. In his address, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the ready-made garment industry had huge contributions to women empowerment in Bangladesh by creating their employment in the formal sector.“Their financial ability has earned them dignity in families, given them a voice in decision making and freedom to take their decision,” he said. “The RMG industry is a bright example of how digital technologies can make a difference to women’s empowerment and rights. Garment factories are now paying their workers in mobile financial services (MFS) accounts, enabling them to have full control of their money which they can now send to their families and save for the future,” Faruque Hassan said. In the era of Fourth Industrial Revolution, the manufacturing landscape is being hugely dominated by technologies with many automatic machines and software being integrated into production processes to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly, he said.  It’s important to create opportunities for women to adapt to the changing trends through skilling and reskilling so that they can have equal space in the workplace, he added.  “As the government has envisioned for a developed Bangladesh, this vision cannot be achieved without leaving women behind and playing their active roles,” Faruque Hassan said.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has introduced a modern digital x-ray machine to BGMEA Hospital in Chattogram. The initiative aims to provide better medical services to garment workers free of cost. Underprivileged people will also have access to the facilities at a subsidised rate. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inaugurated the machine service at the hospital. BGMEA First Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice-President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury; directors Shafiul Karim (Khokon), M Ahsanul Hoq, and Director-in-Charge of the hospital Mohammed Meraj-E-Mostafa (Kaisar) and former directors were present on the occasion Monday. Read more: BGMEA for easy financing for SMEs in sustainability The digital x-ray machine has advanced features that will enable healthcare professionals at the BGMEA hospital to accurately diagnose the health conditions of the patients. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said: "It's a high priority of the BGMEA to improve the health and well-being of garment workers who are the main driving force behind the RMG industry." BGMEA runs 10 health centres that provide healthcare facilities and medicines to garment workers free of cost while a full-fledged hospital is operational for workers in Chattogram, he said.    

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has stood beside Turkey with humanitarian aid to express solidarity with those affected by the recent devastating earthquakes and alleviate their sufferings. BGMEA donated warm clothing including blankets and sweaters for the earthquake victims of Turkey who are going through immense misery in harsh winter conditions after losing their homes and belongings in the disaster. Read More: UL Solutions delegation meets BGMEA President BGMEA President Faruque Hassan handed over the donation to Turkish Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Ramis Şen at the embassy in Dhaka on February 20. Former Vice President of BGMEA Moshiul Azam Shajal, Director of BGMEA Mohiuddin Rubel and Commercial Counsellor of the embassy Kenan Kalayci were also present on the occasion. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, “We are saddened and shocked at the loss of valuable lives in Turkey and Syria in a series of massive earthquakes. We would like express our deepest condolences for the dead and sincere sympathy for those who lost their loved ones in the disaster as well as for the injured.” “We cannot bring back those whom we have lost in the earthquakes, but we can join hands and work together with what we have to alleviate the immense sufferings of the earthquake victims.” The BGMEA President assured the Turkish Ambassador that BGMEA would stand beside the people of Turkey and provide more support in their hour of need. Read more: Death toll rises to 8 from new Turkey-Syria earthquake  

A delegation of UL Solutions, a leading safety science company, has met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan and discussed possible collaboration in providing safety solutions and services to garment factories in Bangladesh. The delegation from UL Solutions, led by Charan Singh, Senior Director, Regional Operations, also included Golam Sarwar, Country Manager, UL Bangladesh, Sharif Mollah, Business Development Manager, Emerging Markets, and Rashed Ahmed, Head of Business, UL Bangladesh. BGMEA Director Neela Hosna Ara was also present at the meeting held at BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka on February 20. They discussed how UL Solutions support Bangladeshi garment factories in remaining up to the mark in terms of industry safety requirements. The discussion also focused on how UL Solutions could support the factories in maintaining compliance with regulations and standards and reducing environmental impacts of their operations. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings that support customers’ product innovation and business growth.  

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the French Development Agency the financial wing Proparco to provide the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the country with the low-cost fund and grant as they often cannot avail of regular financing schemes due to stringent due diligence. "Bangladeshi garment factories are making huge investments to make their production process cleaner and more energy efficient. However, the SMEs need low-cost funding to integrate environmental sustainability practices," said BGMEA President Faruque Hassan. A delegation of Proparco met with Faruque in Paris Saturday to discuss possible collaboration in supporting the sustainable development of Bangladesh's RMG industry. The Proparco delegation led by Reza Hassam Daya, deputy head of manufacturing, also included Nahema Lemarchand, Jean-Emile Loubet and Théodore Planes. The two sides discussed the present status of Bangladesh's apparel industry, its vision, challenges and potential. Faruque informed the Proparco team about the progress made by Bangladesh's RMG industry in the areas of workplace safety, social and environmental sustainability and workers' wellbeing. Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Press, Publication and Publicity Shovon Islam was also present at the meeting. Read more: BB relaxes rule of storing audited financial report for CMSMEs

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said Bangladesh and Taiwan have great potential to complement each other for the development of the apparel and textile industries of the countries. The organisation made the observation when a delegation of the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) led by its President Justin Huang called on BGMEA President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Thursday. They discussed various issues of mutual interest regarding the apparel and textile industries. The two sides talked about how both associations could work together to build interactive connections between apparel and textile businessmen of Bangladesh and Taiwan to facilitate meaningful business interactions. Faruque said Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of readymade garments (RMG) in the world whereas Taiwan has a strong textile industry, particularly with considerable strengths in the non-cotton segment. Read more: Netflix Movie: BGMEA protests derogatory remarks on Bangladesh RMG sector Since Bangladesh is strongly focusing on shifting from cotton to non-cotton products and value-added products, Taiwan with its big textile industry producing man-made fibres, polyester filament, nylon fibre and other fabrics can meet the demand of Bangladesh's RMG sector, he added. Also, the BGMEA and TTF expressed interest in organising trade exhibitions to develop ties between RMG and textile businessmen of Bangladesh and Taiwan so that both sides can work together to create a win-win situation. BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim, directors Asif Ashraf and Abdullah Hil Rakib, Timothy WD Tso, director at TTF and Emily Chen of the Promotion Section at TTF were also present at the meeting.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has organised an art camp as part of its Brand Bangladesh initiative, in addition to its core focus to promote the apparel industry. Sixty-two renowned artists, including Monirul Islam, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Hashem Khan, Abul Barq Alvi, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Abdul Mannan, Mohammad Eunus, Jamal Ahmed, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Farida Zaman, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Naima Haque, Rokeya Sultana, Dhali Al Mamoon, Shahid Kabir, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Hossain Sheikh Afzal, Mohammad Iqbal, Mostafizul Haque, Mostafa Zaman Mithu, Afrozaa Jamil Konka, and Sohana Shahreen joined the "Made in Bangladesh with Pride Art Camp 2023" in Dhaka Sunday. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inaugurated the camp which was organised by the organisation in collaboration with Arcadia Arts Gallery.